As Canada celebrates the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, Meridian International Center, with support from the Embassy of the United States in Ottawa, is pleased to present two exhibitions that showcase the relationship between our nations as distinguished neighbors. Northern Stars: 150 Years of U.S.-Canada Relations imparts a historical perspective of both familiar and lesser-known connections while Eyes on the Arctic: U.S.-Canada Collaboration in the North offers an area focus on shared heritage and cooperation in the Arctic.

The bilingual exhibitions highlight intriguing stories involving the two countries and emphasize the shared cultural connections. Beginning prior to the sesquicentennial, Northern Stars finds its impetus with the attendance of Sir William McDougall, a prominent Canadian politician who helped to form the Canadian Confederation, to President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address in 1863. The narrative continues through moments of history and shared culture to the present with Canadian Lorne Michaels’ legacy of Saturday Night Live.

In Photos: Northern Stars

The City of Boston, Massachusetts, was one of the first responders to provide aid and medical supplies following the Halifax Explosion in December 1917. As a token of gratitude, Halifax gifted a Christmas tree to Boston the next year. Nova Scotia has delivered the official Christmas tree to Boston Common outside the Massachusetts State House annually since 1971. More than 20,000 people attend the Christmas tree ceremony on the Boston Common outside the Massachusetts State House, 2016. Communications Nova Scotia.

In 1940, Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Ogdensburg Agreement, which outlined a permanent plan for mutual defense overseas between the United States and Canada. This historic event laid the groundwork for combined efforts abroad in World War II that included the training of troops from the United States and Canada in one another’s nations. U.S. Army ski troops practice kick turns in the Dominion of Newfoundland, ca. 1942-1945. National Archives and Records Administration.

Gordon “Gordie” Howe, known affectionately as “Mr. Hockey,” learned to skate on the frozen ponds of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. As the record holder for most seasons played in the National Hockey League, among other accolades, Howe spent most of his career with the Detroit Red Wings, who won the Stanley Cup four times while he was on the team. Gordie Howe checks a Chicago Blackhawks opponent into the boards during a game in Detroit, 1955. Transcendental Graphics/Getty Images.

The exhibitions are scheduled to travel throughout Canada in 2017. Check back here and follow along with #USCanada150 for updates.